The Los Angeles Dodgers finalized the signing of Daniel Hudson to a one-year contract, bringing their 40-man roster full again. An opening was created Tuesday night when the club non-tendered Andrew Vasquez and made him a free agent.
The exact value of Hudson’s contract has not yet been reported, but it’s believed to be around $7 million. The reunion could signal the end of Corey Knebel’s tenure with the Dodgers, as he is drawing strong interest from the Philadelphia Phillies.
It may also mark the end of Joe Kelly’s tenure in L.A., but Dodgers president of baseball operations previously indicated the team would look to re-sign him.
Hudson finished the 2021 season a combined 5-3 with a 3.31 ERA, 3.21 FIP and 1.08 WHIP in 54 games.
When L.A. was attempting to complete a trade for Max Scherzer at the deadline, it was reported the deal could grow to include Hudson as well. Trea Turner wound up being packaged with Scherzer, and the Washington Nationals traded Hudson to the San Diego Padres.
Hudson struggled to the tune of a 5.21 ERA across 23 relief appearances for the Padres.
His signing marks a return to the franchise that the right-hander spent the 2018 season with after signing a Minor League contract. Hudson went 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in his lone season with the Dodgers.
He missed the final six weeks that year due to a second brush of right forearm tightness. Hudson departed in free agency and signed a Minor League contract with the L.A. Angels. He was released prior to Opening Day and went on to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays, but was traded to the Nationals that July.
What role will Hudson have with Dodgers?
The 34-year-old has experience as a closer, which could be key if the Dodgers fail to re-sign Kenley Jansen. Though, the team could just as well elevate Blake Treinen into that role and use Hudson as more of a setup man.
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